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Raising BiotechAuthor: Surani Fernando
A narrative podcast series hosted by journalist Surani Fernando that goes beyond the headlines to explore how biotech companies are really built from bold ideas and impressive fundraises to the science that could reshape healthcare. Surani speaks with founders, CEOs, investors, and experts to uncover origin stories, company missions, and the challenges of bringing ambitious discoveries to market. Through thoughtful, independent reporting, Raising Biotech examines what it really takes to turn breakthroughs into lasting impact for patients and the industry. For guest or sponsor pitches, please get in touch with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email raisingbiotech@gmail.com. Language: en Genres: Business, Life Sciences, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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S4, E2: From Medicine to IPOs - Dr Sheila Gujrathi on Raising Biotech Against the Odds
Wednesday, 4 February, 2026
In this episode, we focus on the personal journey of Sheila Gujrathi, a physician turned biotech builder whose career spans medicine, big pharma, rapid IPOs, and billion dollar exits. We explore what it takes to raise biotech across cycles, from early clinical development to public markets, and how Sheila navigated building companies while operating in environments where she was rarely the default. Surani speaks with Sheila about growing up as the child of Indian immigrant physicians, making unconventional career decisions, and learning to balance patients, capital, and leadership under pressure. They discuss her time at Genentech and Bristol Myers Squibb, her role in scaling Receptos through IPO and a $7.2 billion acquisition, the founding and listing of Gossamer Bio, and how those experiences shaped her perspective on leadership and led to her writing The Mirror Effect. 00:00: Introduction 01:45: Growing up as the child of Indian immigrant physicians and early expectations around medicine 04:50: Loss, identity, and the year in India that helped shape a personal North Star going into Medical School 10:30: Leaving clinical medicine and stepping into consulting and industry 15:45: Joining Receptos, building from the ground up, and the road to IPO and acquisition 22:50: Founding Gossamer Bio, raising private capital, and going public in just over a year 30:10: Reflection, writing The Mirror Effect, and building pathways for the next generation For more on Sheila's Book, click here For any comments, questions or feedback you can connect directly with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email: raisingbiotech@gmail.com Title music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media)
